Happy Thanksgiving to all. Ski pic's - don't tell my doctors!!

Hi everyone. On Nov 23rd we had snow and sun at our house! I couldn't resist the temptation so went out and skied in our driveway while Tyler was on his sled! At just 60-days post-transplant, the doctor's probably wouldn't approve of this but it sure felt great to be on my skis again. We had a nice thanksgiving dinner today at my house with Toshiko, Tyler, my parents, and a friend from Japan. Today is my one day off from the Clinic today. Had spinal tap yesterday (just one more to go now) and lots of other blood tests. Will see the Nurse tomorrow again to assess my GVHD rash. It has flared up a bit since we started the tapering the steroids, so they are watching close and have slowed down the taper. I feel great and getting better every day. So much to be thankful for this year. Love to all my family and friends. More pics below...

Day 49 since transplant.

Today is the 49th day since my transplant date. So tomorrow I will be halfway to the 100-day mark which is when I am scheduled to be released from the transplant team and go back to general oncology doctor . That is also the time I am schedule to go back home. Although the doctors may possible let me return earlier. For now, they still say I am too vulernable to infection to return home full time. I have been have more frequent afternoon visits home though and it has been so nice spending time with Toshiko & Tyler as I feel better.

Yesterday I had another spinal tap which went smooth - only 2 more to go! I am still having some GVHD issues with skin rashes. They are trying to get it controlled with topical steroids and photo therapy (like a suntan bed). This, in hopes that they can start tapering me off the Steroids pills which I have been taking for more than two weeks. These pills are effective, but dangerous as they are making my platelets drop and also greatly increase infection risk. There are other long term side effects possible also, so they want to start tapering soon. I am still feeling better with each day and feeling closer to "normal" every day.

Eric

One day at a time.

Dr. appointments went smooth this week without any major issues. I am still on the Prednisone steroid to control the skin rash from the GVHD. This makes my metabolism very high which quickly reduces muscle mass in my arms and legs. So, they have me eating at least 110 grams of protein per day and I am still loosing weight so they want me to excerise my muscles as much as posssible. I am currently 146 lbs (my normal weight is 165 lbs). I am feeling better every day and recovering good.

Eric

Good day.

Today I feel a bit better than the past few days. I was able to walk and eat more. I have been feeling a little better each day. It will just take time to recover. I am basically recovering faster than average. So, hopefully the "good days" will start outweighing the "bad days". They do have me on about 20 pills per day plus IV fluids which all contribute to how I feel. I am pushing myself to walk, exercise, and eat more which also will speed up recovery.

Eric

Complete Remission!

The results of the bone marrow test came back today and showed "no evidence of previously diagnosed Leukemia". This is the best news. This proves the transplant was successful. It was pretty emotional for me because for 10 months there has always be some very small % show when they did that test. There will be 3 more bone marrow test over the next 60 days to check and make sure it is still working. I still have lot of recovery and other issues to work out over the next 2 months. I tested positive for Graft vs. Host Desease (GVHD). It's mainly rashes on my hands and arms. My hands are swollen and with lots of bumps making it difficult and painful to do simple tasks like opening a bottle of water. They started me on Steroids to clear this up. They said some GVHD is good because it helps fight off any possible residual desease.

Thank you very much to everyone. I am overwhelmed with the amount of support from so many family and friends. I feel incredible loved by so many.

Eric

Bone marrow test tomorrow.

Well, it's already been 27 days since the donor cells were transplanted into me. So, tomorrow I will have the first of 4 bone marrow aspirations to test and see how well the engraftment is working and also to check if there are any remaining residual deseased cells. The doctors today said all of my blood test show all of my organs are working strong and normally and my blood counts are very good. They said I am doing quite well. I do have some mild skin rashes on my arms that could be some mild GVHD (graft vs host desease). It is expected that I will get some GVHD at some point, and this is good because it helps fight off any possible remaining bad cells.
I am still rather weak and tired most of the time. For example; I get up and walk for 15 minutes, then need to take a nap for an hour. But I am feeling better each day. I am on IV fluids at home all day that I administer myself with a pump they gave me.

Eric

Happy Birthday!

Today is my birthday. I am feeling better each day. I had a nice day. After my appointments at the clinic, I had several visitors. It was great to see and talk with everyone. I couldn't do this without all of the loving support I have from so many family and friends. My parents have been especially great - basically waiting on me hand and foot all day. I am still feeling quite weak and moving slow, but my blood count are all moving up quite well every day and this makes me feel better each day. Next, I have appointments for tests and procedures every day this week starting tomorrow. Things are going good.